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On 24 April 2025, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology opened its doors to 16 schoolgirls aged 14 and over as part of the Vienna Daughters' Day, giving them the opportunity to spend a day gaining insights into cutting-edge applied research and technological innovations. The diverse programme ranged from artificial intelligence, automation and virtual reality to energy and battery research.
Brigitte Bach: "Curiosity needs space - and role models"
Targeted and repeated outreach to girls remains essential, as many are still reluctant to pursue a career in technology when choosing an apprenticeship or career. "When girls experience how fascinating research can be and at the same time see that women are naturally visible in research, development and innovation, then we create more than enthusiasm - we create the future," emphasised Brigitte Bach, AIT Managing Director. "That's why Daughters' Day is an important building block for shaping diversity in technology in the long term," said Bach.
From AI to the energy lab: a day full of research experiences
Under the motto "Future makers: Your day as a scientist", AIT researchers and employees accompanied the schoolgirls through several stations: They experienced how AI can learn to drive cars, how autonomous machines and drones work and how first aid can be trained with the help of virtual reality. They tested new storage technologies in a battery lab and were able to playfully work with energy in the "PowerPlayground". The experiences were reflected on together in the final discussion.
The main focus was on practical applications and interactive experiences designed to make applied research visible and tangible for young girls.
Further information about the AIT: https://www.ait.ac.at/ueber-das-ait